Windrush Bike Project CIC is a not for profit social enterprise. Our team of professional staff and amazing volunteers help people from all walks of life to make everyday journeys by bike and learn about bike mechanics.
We run a community bike workshop in the heart of Witney, West Oxfordshire, where we teach vulnerable children and adults to fix donated bikes through our mechanics courses. Our mechanics also repair and service bikes.
Outside the workshop we deliver Bikeability Cycle training in 48 schools in Oxfordshire, run a weekly inclusive cycling activity at Wood Green School, and campaign for safer cycle routes suitable for all ages and all abilities.
Below are some case studies and quotes from our service users:
J, aged 30, is autistic and has mild learning difficulties. Consequently, he spent a lot of time alone at home (where he lived with his mother) and was lonely and isolated – particularly over the pandemic years. He participated in our cycle mechanics for well-being course in the autumn of 2022 and then stayed on as a volunteer. Attending the bike project was his only regular activity at that time. J does a mixture of tasks, dismantling old bikes for parts, refurbishing bikes, unpacking stock or organising the workshop tea break! J thrives on company, loves a good joke and enjoys the sociable atmosphere. Since he started with us, he has gained the confidence to develop relationships with new people, taken up another volunteering role in the community and is talking about getting a part time job.
“R has had a chat with us this week and said that she feels she is ready to stop coming to the bike project and be in school. She has found being with you really helpful and it has been a great success for R. Thank you so much for all that you have done to support R”. School Leader.
“Our daughter has a diagnosis of autism and couldn’t ride a bike as she struggled to balance and was really frightened of hurting herself. The Bikeability course was fantastic in building her confidence and helping her to learn to ride a bike in a step by step process. The instructors were encouraging, patient and compassionate throughout. After the project, we were told about the Bike Library. We are now on our second bike from the library. Having a bike from the library meant we kept the momentum going after the bike course and our daughter now rides to and from school four times a week”.
